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An obsession -

Despite the obvious peril, big wave surfers just keep coming back to Nazaré, even the ones who nearly died there. Click on for stunning images of the magnificent and powerful waves. 

© Getty Images

Nazaré -

From October through March you can find these giant waves, which also bring a lot of tourists to Nazaré.

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Bravery - A surfer carves a long trail with the surfboard's fins while surfing a powerful wave.

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Attraction -

People gather at the beach to look at the big waves.

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Imposing - A fantastic close-up of a surfer being chased by a wave.

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Blue world - Australian surfer Ross Clarke-Jones surfs an impressive wave while the public watches.

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Rescue -

A jet ski tries to get away from the waves while towing a surfer.

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Mountain - When compared to the surfer, this wave looks like a real mountain.

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Waiting for the best moment -

Sebastian Steudtner, from Germany, tries to enter the sea during a surf session.

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Respectful wave - A fearless surfer rides a wave, managing to escape the lip.

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Duel of titans - A surfer tries to escape from the huge wave breaking behind him.

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Tow in - Two surfers are towed in and prepare to ride the powerful waves.

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Wave watching - The crowd watches Australian surfer Ross Clarke-Jones surfing a huge wave.

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Respect - A surfer prepares to go in and face the powerful waves of Nazaré.

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Curious look - A photographer takes the opportunity to immortalize the stunning and imposing view.

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Challenge - Another surfer takes on an imposing wave at Praia do Norte.

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Courage - A surfer making the most of a huge swell that hit Praia do Norte.

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Fort in the foreground - A big wave rider surfs another wave in Nazaré.

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Vertiginous drop - A surfer looks like a tiny spot in the middle of a huge wave.

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Magnitude - Another surfer drops in on a massive wave.

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Great viewpoint -

Even a rock can be a great place to sit and watch the giant waves.

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Fearless -

Many people come together to observe the courage of the surfers who face these waves.

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Danger -

A surfer is rescued by a jet ski during a surf session.

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No fear -

Surfer Sebastian Steudtner seems to be flying over a huge wave.

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Moment of truth -

A surfer thunders down a large wave at Praia do Norte. If he falls, he will need the help of a jet ski to get out.

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Power - A man observes the powerful Praia do Norte waves.

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Speed -

Sebastian Steudtner looks like he's being chased by a huge wave.

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Fun - A close-up of one of the information boards, completely covered in stickers.

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All the help is welcome -

Two surfers are towed by jet skis so they can drop in on the huge waves.

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No mistakes -

The giant waves seem to be chasing this brave surfer.

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Non-stop coming waves -

A surfer catches a wave with another huge one already coming from behind.

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Nazaré postcard -

The Nazaré lighthouse is usually part of the fantastic images of Praia do Norte that travel the world.

Sources: (CNN) (Reuters) (Magic Seaweed)

See also: Surfing Amazon's endless wave.

© Reuters